Consumer Advice

Discover ways to avoid being scammed. Get some expert advice and reports on the latest consumer issues and consumer law.

How to complain

• Returning goods

  Brush up on your consumer knowledge and get tips on receipts, returning goods and guarantees.

• Complaint letters

  Follow these useful guidelines on what you should and shouldn't do when writing a letter of complaint.

• Mediation

  Read our expert advice on where to turn when customer/company relationships break down.

Consumer law

• Legal system basics

  A guide to the UK legal systems and consumer laws.

• Sale of goods

  The laws that every consumer should know when putting in a claim.

• Supply of services

  Know when you're entitled to a repair or replacement.

• Other civil laws

  Be aware of the regulations and acts relating to goods and services.

• Credit

  The Consumer Credit Act and your rights against credit card companies.

• Criminal law

  Consumers are protected by specific criminal laws too.

• Enforcing the law

  You may need to take action in the civil courts to resolve the issue.

• Scotland

  There are some minor differences in Scottish civil and criminal processes.

Money matters

• Budgeting

  Martin Lewis offers up his tips on how to overhaul your finances and save up to £3000 per year.

• Saving money

  Here are some top tips and advice on what to do for the best with your savings in these recession-hit times.

• Managing debts

  If your bills are mounting up, face the problem with some helpful tips on how to manage debts.

• PPI Q&A

  Confused about Payment Protection Insurance (also known as PPI)? Here's our handy Q&A factsheet.

Scams

• Doorstep Traders

  Older people are being warned about doorstep traders offering home maintenance in run-up to winter.

• Online Shopping

  Some information and general advice on how to avoid common pitfalls when shopping online.

• Identity fraud

  Watch Asst. Chief Constable Peter Lowton give advice on how to avoid being a victim of identity fraud.

• Credit card fraud

  People are still taken in by old-style credit card scams - avoid being taken in with our practical advice.

• Scam mail

  Check out how these mass marketed scams operate to make sure you don't get caught out.

• Staying safe

  The Financial Conduct Authority takes you through some useful tips to help you stay safe from scams.

Cars

• How to choose a reliable mechanic

  Trading Standards officer Laila Benfaida gives advice on how to choose a reliable mechanic.

• Your car service

  Expert engineer, John Dabek, provides general advice on servicing and checking your car service.

Holidays and travel

• Low cost flights

  There are pros and cons to booking with a low cost airline... check out five tips for booking low cost flights.

• Bargain holidays

  If you're dreaming of getting away from it all but have a strict budget, take a look at our five ideas for a cheaper holiday.

• Airport parking

  With so many 'Meet and Greet' parking services on offer at UK airports, it can be hard to make a confident choice.

• Wedding advice

  Getting married abroad? Our hints and tips will help you plan your special day away...

Utilities

• Keep switching

  We've all been hit by steep rises in gas and electricity bills, so will switching make a difference?

• Reading meters

  Easy ways to read your gas and electricity meters to ensure you're not being overcharged by your supplier.

• Getting a good gas fitter

  Information and advice to ensuring that your gas fitter is up to standard, with helpful tips from the Gas Safe Register.